As the Kings sit comfortably in sixth place in the Western Conference, primed for their fifth straight playoff appearance, perhaps now is the perfect time to discuss the layout of this season’s active roster. Find out how superstars like Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, and Jonathan Quick became part of hockey royalty. Learn about where the club’s talented pool of prospects earned their crowns. Please enjoy a blueprint of the 2014 Los Angeles Kings brought to you by THW.
Kings Draft Picks
Dustin Brown – 2003, 4th round (#13 overall). Referred to by some as “the human fist” on the ice, the hard-hitting New York native has been an integral part of the Kings’ success. Brown is the youngest player to ever wear the “C” for the team and is headed to Sochi for his second time as an olympian for Team USA. The feisty forward is having a slow year offensively with only 16 points in 50 games; however, he is on his way to another 300-hit season, and his toughness has certainly contributed to the team’s success this year.
Kyle Clifford – 2009, 2nd round (#35 overall).
Dwight King – 2007, 4th round (#109 overall). Interestingly enough, King was drafted 20 spots ahead of Dallas Stars’ sniper Jamie Benn. Nonetheless, King has brought the team a nice source of secondary offense this season with 11 goals and 11 assists in 50 games.
Anze Kopitar – 2005, 1st round (#11 overall). The Slovenian stud has been nothing short of amazing for the Kings since he was drafted. With 516 points in 573 games, Kopitar’s consistent offensive presence has been essential to the team’s growth. That consistency is prevalent again this season as the sniper currently sits pretty with 40 points in 51 games to go with a solid +22 rating.
Trevor Lewis – 2006, 1st round (#17 overall).
Jordan Nolan – 2009, 7th round (#186 overall).
Tyler Toffoli – 2010, 2nd round (#47 overall). Toffoli has shown flashes of offensive brilliance at times but has also struggled this season. He needs to be more aggressive off the puck to get more ice time. Regardless, the kid has made the most of his limited time and has a hand in the team’s success this year. His potential is sky high.
Drew Doughty – 2008, 1st round (2nd overall). Doughty was drafted only behind Steven Stamkos in the 2008 draft, where 4 of the first 5 picks were defensemen. The Kings’ #1 d-man is having a strong season with 27 points in 41 games. He is a solid two-way defensemen whose offensive skills have helped the team flourish.
Alec Martinez – 2007, 4th round (#95 overall).
Slava Voynov – 2008, 2nd round (#32 overall).
Jonathan Quick – 2005, 3rd round (#72 overall). Anyone who knows hockey knows that this guy is amongst the NHL’s elite goalies. Despite being out for an extended time with an injury, Quick has played exceptionally well when he has played. No one would ever believe that he was drafted 31 spots behind Ondrej Pavelec. Kudos to the Kings who got a gem for a bargain.
Kings Free Agency Signings
Willie Mitchell – Signed as an unrestricted free agent in August of 2010.
Jake Muzzin – Signed as an unrestricted free agent in January of 2010.
Martin Jones: Signed as an unrestricted free agent in October of 2008. Arguably one of the most impacting players this season, Jones has proven to be a major part of the Kings’ success. This year the youngster was fantastic in the absence of Jonathan quick and made history by going 7-0-0 in his first 7 starts. Additionally, Jones became the first goaltender in Kings history to shutout the Montreal Canadians. At minimum, the 24 year old has proven that he would be a more than capable starter if Quick should go down again.
Kings trades
Jeff Carter – Acquired from the Blue Jackets in February of 2012 for Jack Johnson and a conditional 1st round pick in either 2012 or 2013. Carter has surpassed the 20-goal mark for the 7th time in his 10 year career this season. Look for the sniper to continue to flourish in L.A. and likely reach another 35-goal+ campaign by the season’s end.
Colin Fraser – Acquired from the Oilers in June of 2011 with a 7th round pick in the 2012 draft for Ryan Smyth.
Mike Frattin – Acquired from the Leads with Ben Scrivens and a 2nd round pick for Jonathan Bernier.
Mike Richards – Acquired from the Flyers in June of 2011 with rights to Rob Bordson for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn, and a 2nd round pick in the 2012 draft.
Jarret Stoll – Acquired from the Oilers in June of 2008 with Matt Greene for Lubomir Visnovsky. The team traded Visnovsky the same year they drafted Drew Doughty and Slava Voynov, which has proven to be successful, particularly this season. Stoll has also quietly contributed a nice amount of secondary offense this season helping the team generate a strong two-way game.
Justin Williams – Acquired from the Hurricanes in March of 2009 for Patrick O’Sullivan and a 2009 2nd round pick.
Matt Greene: Acquired from Edmonton in June of 2008 with Jarret Stoll for Lubomir Visnovsky.
Robyn Regehr – Acquired from the Sabres in April of 2013 for the Kings’ 2014 and 2015 2nd round picks.
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